Which Trade Is Right For Me? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Know Which Trade to Pursue
At the Skilled Trades College of Canada, fresh faces and those looking to build a new career in trades often ask us: What is commercial construction? What is residential construction? How are they different?
The answers may seem obvious at face value—residential construction involves homes, while commercial construction involves office buildings. However, both have more intricate differences at a deeper level, especially in what they offer as career paths in construction.
Residential and commercial construction are two distinct worlds with their own rhythms, rewards, and opportunities. Let’s discuss their differences as career paths so you can start building your future in one of Canada's most dynamic industries.
What Is Commercial Construction?
Commercial building construction involves construction projects for business and public use. Skilled trades workers in this type of construction generally work on bigger buildings and more complex systems than residential buildings. As a skilled commercial construction worker, you’ll be involved in commercial construction projects like:
What Is Residential Construction?
Residential building construction involves building, remodelling, or renovating houses. Working in this niche is a great choice if your passion lies in residential construction projects like:
Choosing a Building Construction Career
Now that we’ve answered, “What is commercial construction?” and “What is residential construction?” it’s time to break down which career path is right for you. Let’s compare!
Residential vs Commercial Construction: Job Roles
Residential vs Commercial Construction: Salary Expectations
Large-scale commercial projects are complex and must adhere to stricter regulations and standards. This demands a highly specialized workforce with advanced training and certifications, typically leading to larger budgets.
As a result, salaries for apprentices and journeypersons in commercial construction projects are generally higher than residential. Here’s a look at average annual salary expectations for key roles in residential and commercial construction:
Tip: A small-scale construction project like a residential building can be a great stepping stone for trades workers aiming to start a construction business. Many trades workers gain valuable experience in the residential sector before moving into managing contracting firms or transitioning into large-scale commercial construction.
Skilled trades workers often have to wear multiple hats when working on residential and commercial buildings, which calls for different skill sets. Generally speaking, a residential construction project often requires versatility. While working on residential structures, they may be expected to:
- Read and analyze blueprints
- Perform basic carpentry
- Maintain strong customer service skills
- Coordinate with subcontractors
- Do electrical and plumbing work
On the other hand, commercial structures require more specialization. Trades workers need advanced certifications and technical skills specific to their roles as welders, plumbers, or heavy machinery operators. Here are some additional skills needed for commercial building construction:
- Working at heights
- Handling hazardous materials
- Mastery of building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards
- Operating specialized equipment or systems
- Proficiency in large-scale project coordination and management
Residential vs Commercial Construction: Work Environment
When our students ask, “What is commercial construction?” or “What is residential construction?” we emphasize the difference in work environments. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect in each:
Residential Projects
- Typically involve smaller crews (2-10 people)
- Require more direct communication with homeowners
- Projects usually last 3-6 months for smaller remodels or up to 2 years for custom homes
- May require work in occupied homes
- Offer greater flexibility for on-site decisions
- Provide greater variety of tasks each day
If you prefer a more personal, hands-on work environment, residential construction is a great choice. It also allows for more flexibility, so it’s great for people looking for variety and autonomy in day-to-day tasks.
Commercial Projects
- Involve larger crews (20-200+ people)
- Multiple trade teams work simultaneously
- Projects can span up to 6 months to 3+ years
- Enforce stricter safety protocols
- Involve more specialized work roles
- Operate on fixed schedules and structured processes
Commercial building construction might be a better fit if you enjoy the challenge of working on big projects and don't mind a more demanding (but consistent) schedule.
Residential vs Commercial Construction: Career Advancement Opportunities
Both commercial and residential construction offer exciting paths for career growth. Your interests, skills, and experience will define your upward mobility. You can even try both and jump from one niche to another!
Generally speaking, residential building construction offers flexibility and the potential to manage your own projects or start your own business. The career journey often looks like this:
Commercial construction provides opportunities to move into senior roles or specialize in advanced fields like sustainable construction. What is the typical commercial construction advancement?
Construct Your Future at Skilled Trades College of Canada
Still wondering, “What is commercial construction?” and how does it compare to residential work? Discover the answer for yourself with Skilled Trades College of Canada’s Intro to Home Renovation program!
Our hands-on, accelerated pre-apprenticeship training gives you a solid foundation in both commercial and residential construction. In just 12 weeks, you'll gain practical skills and knowledge that will help you transition into an apprenticeship in any construction field. Our experienced and skilled trades instructors will set you up for long-term career success.
What does your future in construction look like? Contact us today to start shaping it!
